Native American Artifacts & Collectibles
Lot 102:
3" Banded Slate Winged Bannerstone found in Crawford County, Ohio - Ex James Shield Collection
A finely crafted, winged bannerstone fashioned from a dark gray banded slate, displaying the smooth polish and careful symmetry characteristic of Ohio Archaic stonework. The piece measures slightly over 3 inches in width and exhibits a broad, gently expanded form with a pronounced central ridge, creating a balanced and aesthetically refined profile. A neatly executed transverse perforation passes through the center, with the interior walls showing the smooth, tapered appearance expected of ancient drilling techniques. The stone appears to be a dense, fine-grained slate with subtle banding visible beneath the polished surface. The material has taken on a soft, muted sheen through both manufacture and age. Several lighter mineral streaks and natural structural bands are present within the stone, lending visual depth while remaining consistent with naturally occurring slate. The perforation was carefully placed to take advantage of the stone’s integrity, and no significant structural flaws are evident around the bore. Surface wear consists primarily of scattered scratches and handling marks accumulated over time, along with minor edge wear expected on an artifact of considerable age. The overall form remains intact, with no obvious losses visible in the photographs. The perforation appears sound and free of major damage, preserving one of the most important diagnostic features of the piece. The workmanship, symmetrical shaping, polished finish, drilled perforation, and material selection are all consistent with an authentic Ohio bannerstone. Based upon the reported Crawford County, Ohio provenience, the artifact falls comfortably within a region well known for the production and use of bannerstones during the Archaic period. The dark banded slate material is also consistent with stones commonly selected for bannerstone manufacture due to their workability and attractive finish. No repairs or restoration are apparent from the photographs provided. Ex James Shield Collection.
Condition: Ancient Authentic
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